T3i is good, check the Canon refurb website, they might have them a bit cheaper than new and still in good condition. If they have body only, you might save enough money to be able to put $300-400 into a lens of which there are a few decent ones. I used the original Sigma 17-70mm on my XSi and thought it was a pretty good lens. There's a newer version out which has Sigma's image stabilization (OS) tech. Apparently reviews are somewhat mixed, between OK and pretty decent. Even if you don't get that, if you can afford to get something other than the kit lens.

dan4877

t3i is what I've been told now a few times, but as you said I may want an upgraded lense... I looked at the refurb's and wasn't sure I wanted a refurbished lense... do you where else I might find a new lense comparable?

Refurb/used lenses are not necessarily a bad thing. Glass that's in good condition is still worthwhile. Keh.com is a good spot to buy used lenses. FredMiranda has a pretty good section of user reviews for various lenses.

Prices are dropping fast! I bought a new 16-35mmL for less than Canon's price for a refurbished lens.I'd sit tight and look for bargains, they are popping up everywhere. Even the t4i is being discounted."The Digital Picture" has a running list of deals on the lower right sidebar, so visit that site as well.

Put most your money into a lens. they are coming out with a new camera every month now it seems, but lenses stay in the marketplace a lot longer and hold value better. I would go with the t2i. the t3i does offer wireless flash support. Refurbished is not a bad thing at all. refurbed products are meticulously inspected before they leave the company. I own a sigma 17-70 2.8-4.0 lens and it is a million times better than the kit 18-55. and quite a bit faster(bigger aperature). the canon 15-85 is an amazing lens if you can afford. the sigma is only about 425 USD. a new sigma also has a 3 year warranty in the US. the canon 50mm 1.8 is also a blast to play with for a first fast lens.

Alternate suggestion: a used 5D from KEH can be had for $750-ish right now. This includes a 6 month warranty through KEH. Pair with a 50/1.8 ($100) or 40/2.8 ($200) if you like primes, or a used 28-135 ($200-ish) if you like zooms. Not nearly as modern in features as the Rebels discussed above, but if you are looking for the best IQ you can get in your budget, I believe the full frame 5D is the answer.

A lens better than the kit lens is your best bang for the buck. I'd get the T3i/600D with 18-55mm to start, and save another bit for the EF-S 15-85mm lens.

I'd go the same. T3i gives you all you need now for the price. And that includes the priceless wireless flash control (sooner or later, you will greatly appreciate, I guarantee) and flip screen. This kit lens, though pretty flimsy, gives you the best bang for the buck, sharpness and all. The time when you are going to splurge loads of money into gear will come soon enough !